In the lead-up to the 2024 Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association (CSSRA) Championships, we are calling on all members of the Ridley rowing family to rally and support our initiative aimed at strengthening our rowing programme and empowering the continued success of our talented student-athletes.

As we embark on this journey, we are excited to showcase the remarkable students whose dedication and passion for rowing fuel our mission. These young athletes, whose training, teamwork and perseverance lie at the heart of this campaign, greatly benefit from your generous support. It is your contributions that turn their dreams into reality, providing essential equipment, world-class facilities and opportunities to compete at the highest levels. Join us in highlighting the stories of these exceptional students and witnessing the profound impact your donations make in their pursuit of excellence on the water. 

Jade Postma ’25 and Sydney Swick ’25 are Grade 11 rowing partners from St. Catharines, Ontario. The decorated pair recently won gold in the Jr. Women’s 2x at this year’s Stotesbury Regatta in Philadelphia, PA, and secured top-five finishes at last year’s CSSRA Championships. 

How did you get into rowing?   

JP: I started rowing officially in Grade 9 during COVID-19. Prior to that, my only experience of rowing was in Grade 7 during the indoor erg championships at Ridley. I ended up really enjoying the challenge and the environment that I was in while competing, and therefore, when I came to Upper School, I knew this was a sport I wanted to continue.  

SS: I started rowing on and off in Grade 7. I was pretty tall growing up, so seeing my height, my parents wanted to see how I’d like it. My parents both rowed for the Canadian national team when they were younger, so they have definitely been my biggest mentors. I got set up with an amazing coach, Nancy Storrs, when I was still in elementary school, and she really helped me find my love for rowing.   

What has being a part of Ridley Rowing taught you so far? 

JP: Ridley Rowing has taught me balance between rowing, social and school. It has given me a chance to become a well-rounded student-athlete overall. Creating this routine that will help me in the future as life gets busy, I have this foundation that I can build from.  

SS: I think Ridley Rowing has taught me a lot about teamwork and trusting each other. I trust that if I give my maximum effort, my crewmates will too. Rowing is a team sport. You need everyone to pull their hardest in order to win.  

What do you love most about Ridley Rowing?  

JP: What I love most about Ridley Rowing is the team culture. Even between men's and women's rowing, there is this sense of community on and off the water. Whether it's encouraging people while racing or inviting others to participate in a workout. It is the challenge that has truly made me a better rower by pushing off each other. 

SS: I love the culture that is created. The coaches are amazing and push you to your best every day. Time management is like no other and gets you so well-prepared for post-secondary life. Friendships created will last a lifetime, and all having the same common goals makes waking up for each other so much easier. 

How has Ridley Rowing helped you achieve your goals?   

JP: Ridley Rowing has taught me internal motivation. Understanding that if I want to meet my goals, I have my coaches to help me with my training programs or double practices that they can offer. But if I want to meet those goals, it's me who has to put in the work, not anyone else who is going to push me.  

SS: Ridley Rowing has pushed me more than I ever could’ve imagined. The boathouse and course we get to row on every day are truly a gift. The facilities make no excuses for not performing your best. Ridley Rowing makes me expect more from myself and not settle. 

What are your future plans/ambitions with rowing after you graduate from Ridley?   

JP: After Ridley, I'm hoping to pursue rowing in post-secondary! 

SS: My future plans are to go to the NCAA to pursue rowing at a post-secondary level. From there, my goal would be to make the national team and hopefully race for Canada at the Olympics!